tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219638842024-03-19T06:01:56.440-04:00Randomish StuphFrequently infrequent posts from me.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-32432703311152964842010-08-23T15:28:00.002-04:002010-08-23T15:47:55.218-04:00The world is changing, I feel it in the earth...So I started working from home in November 2003, and the entire time I've had one family member or another in the house with me pretty regularly. The exception being the first part of 2008 when Mom took ill and passed away. Well today, Shasta started back to work and Mac went to Aunt Sue and Uncle Steve's and it seems as though it'll be just me and the dogs during the day from here on out. I've gotten several calls and texts about how I'm doing and it's actually not bad. I do notice the lack of sound from outside my office. Particularly Mac crawling up to my closed door and yelling "Dadadadadada" while I'm talking to a customer. And I can actually leave my door open without having to worry about him crawling into the most unchildproof place on the planet. It's an adjustment but a necessary one and one that I think our family will be better for. I am extremely grateful to have been able to work and be home with Mac during the first months of his life and the time spent as a family has been great for all of us. The change is gonna be interesting, a good change I think but none the less interesting. <br /><br />Here's a pic of Mac when I dropped him off this morning. Aunt Sue and Uncle Steve are already spoiling him, notice the new bouncie they got for him. Which he loves by the way!!! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZnhBgt6mOzFSI-1GMGbnrw3Ta5DOEJGpheqVz6j6grM-T9OtCtH0QObPvJ3nsBQlOBEvivNxouNJyk4LyokwkM6q2KBOvCk_fRAIiJSph5P2spWrxAzuoe8a44hI_J8peWxL/s1600/bouncy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZnhBgt6mOzFSI-1GMGbnrw3Ta5DOEJGpheqVz6j6grM-T9OtCtH0QObPvJ3nsBQlOBEvivNxouNJyk4LyokwkM6q2KBOvCk_fRAIiJSph5P2spWrxAzuoe8a44hI_J8peWxL/s320/bouncy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508694283066870978" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-71169611372196862252010-08-05T10:59:00.001-04:002010-08-05T11:00:28.925-04:009 Months, How It Flies<div><object width="560" height="420"><param name="movie" value="http://pf.kizoa.com/i-Contact/sflite.swf?did=1020475&k=S35524857&hk=1&ns=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://pf.kizoa.com/i-Contact/sflite.swf?did=1020475&k=S35524857&hk=1&ns=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="560" height="420" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object><br /><b>Slideshow: 9 months with McKinley</b> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com">Slideshow</a></i></div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-63216690188520694862010-07-27T07:29:00.003-04:002010-07-27T07:34:27.577-04:00Is this thing on???I was reminded the other day that even though I haven't posted here in forever, at least one person still checks my blog pretty regularly. In all honestly, I guess the world of facebook and twitter pulled me away and I've let short 2 or 3 sentence updates suffice. That and the fact that I'm keeping up with an almost 9 month baby boy who is growing waaayyyyy faster than he should have kept me from doing Randomish Stuph justice. The day after Mac was born a good friend told me "time flies now." And it's looking like he's right, I was browsing through some pics of the day we brought him home and was blown away at how tiny he was then and how much bigger he is now! <br /><br />I do promise to make more of an effort to post more frequently in the future. I know some of you are saying "after 9 months that's all you got D?" Well for right now yes and you're just gonna have to wait for more :DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-32558109025743034902009-11-06T19:05:00.007-05:002009-11-08T08:13:55.067-05:00Hello Baby BoyThe last time I posted my heart was full because I had lost something precious to me. Well the Giver of All Good Things has taken me full circle and filled my heart with the joy of something so precious that I don't know if words will do it justice. There are so many things I remember from the past 2 days. Shasta asking me "are you gonna wear pajama pants?" as her way of telling me she needed to go to the hospital. The rock steady presence of our friend Pamela in the labor room. Her knowledge and gentleness were a blessing that everyone who goes through child birth should have. The incredible strength my wife showed through labor and delivery. I'll remember all the updates to friends and family and feeling the strength of their love and prayers throughout the day. But even as I right this the words don't do it justice, if you have ever had a child you know what I'm talking about. My heart is so incredibly full and I know that as of 9:23 last night my life has completely changed. <br /><br />I know a lot of you have waited patiently for pictures and I won't keep you waiting much longer. The reason we waited was to be sure that McKinley's great grandma Baker got to be one of the first people to see him. She has seen him and so for the rest of you here he is:<br /><br />McKinley David Douglas<br />9:23 pm 11/5/2009<br />6 lbs 5 oz 20 3/4 inches<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeINNohFLj1yvfLiZSj3lrCYAbB5VotQorWY0IBsR_3ERT63OYi68DNyxJj9gUEdTEHOBGU6u_BS9SMC23ye_frmHSbMd0ZNR-wBTZRpcL4dHxTOeHBUpRGU246kDuEzGI2Tza/s1600-h/McKinley+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeINNohFLj1yvfLiZSj3lrCYAbB5VotQorWY0IBsR_3ERT63OYi68DNyxJj9gUEdTEHOBGU6u_BS9SMC23ye_frmHSbMd0ZNR-wBTZRpcL4dHxTOeHBUpRGU246kDuEzGI2Tza/s200/McKinley+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401155975393912418" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8as5cSG-D964iU-6V6XaQWCnumx-lzawIKvW4WLowIJeTE8yDeHearQSRSi-zwwYIahF9odVNbhzPb4HsOTOLWT-JErE2BSqZAfHxyx5HhZa_5sfKMDp6whwsDPRO7LlkJtwk/s1600-h/McKinley+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8as5cSG-D964iU-6V6XaQWCnumx-lzawIKvW4WLowIJeTE8yDeHearQSRSi-zwwYIahF9odVNbhzPb4HsOTOLWT-JErE2BSqZAfHxyx5HhZa_5sfKMDp6whwsDPRO7LlkJtwk/s200/McKinley+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401156175140356594" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjTpsnrAD0vu0p-L_oNvnRe4gcfRJDwWgA8uholX5bbQ55F4a6TKmtx9xUZpi4zVFBerzUfFBrq5nAqChZmIBcLOW9c2EjSs03t6gNhUW7PcZ6mscXlI2V8PLXS0W0YQ8wHpa/s1600-h/McKinley+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjTpsnrAD0vu0p-L_oNvnRe4gcfRJDwWgA8uholX5bbQ55F4a6TKmtx9xUZpi4zVFBerzUfFBrq5nAqChZmIBcLOW9c2EjSs03t6gNhUW7PcZ6mscXlI2V8PLXS0W0YQ8wHpa/s200/McKinley+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401156345391699234" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW7FRpqcqVi7MLgwio9G-0c0mQRD6B92TLlvGjqo-J85opyj1Him24sPDqmY6ysN_hGDaq6grkf7Ftlbp1zboOSU1kIdf4WuikAJ-FtyMuUzJVCzXX_q-FgtaWCf8N_9l4W4E/s1600-h/McKinley+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW7FRpqcqVi7MLgwio9G-0c0mQRD6B92TLlvGjqo-J85opyj1Him24sPDqmY6ysN_hGDaq6grkf7Ftlbp1zboOSU1kIdf4WuikAJ-FtyMuUzJVCzXX_q-FgtaWCf8N_9l4W4E/s200/McKinley+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401156925795859298" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7OFnIU_4Ej55U6w2BRFOaxrlyHaisBmuMZxqiKrVtYtljchwaOTGUStrPqDOA6GW8f-ev5c8wSCLHKFW_ZzzGZ4yNp5KDpXyJ8wn5zsoLiSTy3boT83isMhIJYAiNR3BFm3c/s1600-h/McKinley+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7OFnIU_4Ej55U6w2BRFOaxrlyHaisBmuMZxqiKrVtYtljchwaOTGUStrPqDOA6GW8f-ev5c8wSCLHKFW_ZzzGZ4yNp5KDpXyJ8wn5zsoLiSTy3boT83isMhIJYAiNR3BFm3c/s200/McKinley+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401157067902842194" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-33286086143019360442009-08-04T15:05:00.005-04:002009-08-04T15:48:27.035-04:00So Long, BabygirlWhen I first met you, you were 4 months old and weighed probably 3 lbs which was small even for a Cavalier pup. You were the result of an accidental breeding and by all accounts shouldn't have survived at all. You mother was too young to breed, and as a result her milk dried up and the rest of your litter died. Thanks to an angel named Melissa who bottle fed you for 12 weeks you survived. You were a fighter even then who had her own way of doing things. When Melissa ask us to house sit for her, we met you and your "brother" Aslan and immediately fell in love with you both. 2 weeks later we picked the two of you up and brought you home. You fit right into the house and soon every one who met you was falling in love with you. Yesterday morning you couldn't even stand up and I took you see Dr. A. Dr. A called me with worry in her voice and said you weren't good, they tried some steroids and took some blood with the hopes that when we got the results this morning we'd know what was wrong and how to treat it. When we prayed last night we placed your life in the hands of the God that created you and allowed us to have you, knowing that in all things His ways are best. Dr. A called this morning and said you didn't make it through the night and now my heart is heavy but I am so grateful for the time I had with you. There are so many things I will miss. I'll miss the fact that at 8 lbs you were still "puppy" size. The way you hardly ever barked, I think in the 2 years we had you I recall you barking maybe 5 times. The way you would always take your food out of the bowl and put it on the floor, making sure Aslan got some too. The way you immediately cuddled up with Muffin or myself when a strange person or animal came near. How right after we found out Muffin was expecting your changed your habit of sleeping on the foot rest between her legs to sleeping on her tummy as if you knew there was a little life growing inside her. And I'm really sorry you won't be around to meet McKinley, because I know you would have had a special relationship. I'll miss your "seal fights" with Aslan and how you used to chase him to the point where he would just lay down in the floor and give up. I'll miss watching you snuggle up with Grandma Flo. I'll miss how our godson Paulie named you "nutter one." But I think most of all I'll miss the "kisses" that you so rarely gave to anyone. The fact is I just miss you, a ton, already. Say hi to Mom, Dad and Guilo for me babygirl. And don't be snooty, give them a kiss :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcbPXfw2ztVG3Tm9fRfcXSfc9u44qK7wiynrq0mgjCstdwhe1d__WL1zRXAn2cWR6bK5NFQuVAa-jbYuR3mWkj6VY3NumY-Dzm-FJZ-IttQ0zFG5mlS9X20dLfJnIaLB3S44N/s1600-h/IMG_0873.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcbPXfw2ztVG3Tm9fRfcXSfc9u44qK7wiynrq0mgjCstdwhe1d__WL1zRXAn2cWR6bK5NFQuVAa-jbYuR3mWkj6VY3NumY-Dzm-FJZ-IttQ0zFG5mlS9X20dLfJnIaLB3S44N/s200/IMG_0873.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366193709359497090" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmB7aO6ayIOEG2ff58BezPwf-dPByrPePUCKPkA37RNUo6lH9etnM2UTQsMOa41iIFt5fNmTKDMfp9CIpGkPY9sbpDtkEbrNEXJSt0KspzHy6dJ-osc3OY_6WXgIG53yGefVx/s1600-h/20081213_0205.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmB7aO6ayIOEG2ff58BezPwf-dPByrPePUCKPkA37RNUo6lH9etnM2UTQsMOa41iIFt5fNmTKDMfp9CIpGkPY9sbpDtkEbrNEXJSt0KspzHy6dJ-osc3OY_6WXgIG53yGefVx/s200/20081213_0205.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366195714968747602" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-89113767127639587852009-07-27T11:44:00.002-04:002009-07-27T11:50:12.126-04:00Urgent Prayers NeedThis prayer requests comes by way of old friend. Please be in prayer for Stellan, Stellan is 8 months old and has a heart condition that has taken a major turn for the worse over the past several days. You can get more detail on his <a href="http://mycharmingkids.net">Mom's blog</a>, but please pray.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-10291469753704424262009-07-25T09:40:00.001-04:002009-07-25T09:40:34.963-04:00Ughh!!!! Beat down 18-2. Next game at noon.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-2866077236610458702009-07-25T08:19:00.001-04:002009-07-25T08:19:35.050-04:00Gonna try mobile blogging for the first time. We have a softball tourney today and I figure I'll post updates throughout the day.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-72117821374887849512009-07-18T11:43:00.006-04:002009-07-18T18:18:36.188-04:00Are You Sure?I'm still trying to get my head around this whole being a dad thing. Thursday we found out that the baby we've been calling "CinnaBun" is a boy and since that's the case it looks like his name will be McKinley David. So my head has been filled with thoughts of watching football and baseball together, reading any number of books together, rocking out in the car (check the video below for a glimpse) and all the things that I'm sure every dad wants to do with their son. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of these same thoughts before we knew the sex and I even pictured doing them with a little red headed girl. My mind also drifts some times to thoughts of failing or being completely inept at being a dad. Everyone I know seems pretty confident that I'm gonna do fine, but there are times when I don't share that same confidence. Like any dad I want the absolute best for my child and that includes the best dad. I have no doubts that before He created the earth my Heavenly Father planned to entrust this child to to Shasta and I for this time and this place. I just find myself wondering why and asking "Are you sure about this. God?" I am totally in awe of the fact that the Creator of this universe, whose desire is that everyone know him as the perfect father, has chosen me to be a picture of a father to McKinley and while there is some trepidation there is decidedly more joy and nervous anticipation. But it's the kind of anticipation you have as the roller coaster is chugging up the hill before that first big drop. Hands up y'all HERE....WE....GOOOOOOOOOooooooo!!!!!<br /><br /><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:cmt.com:376088" width="512" height="319" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" FlashVars="dist=http://blog.cmt.com&orig=&vmoid=" allowFullScreen="true" AllowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-85635125490610213752009-07-11T12:12:00.003-04:002009-07-11T13:01:50.997-04:00What a Bargain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0B0WH21cuAZ5FdWd4P9e-SuSie-rqeN7EggtqzVC5QfpocYmsBIGRHUX0M8MIPUTzw-sJiiW8LcWPH2YwSOTzWjefvAMVe4q24FO46rlz-Kaxz6BA1BTvDZqaFytW50fpFsV/s1600-h/20090711_0017.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0B0WH21cuAZ5FdWd4P9e-SuSie-rqeN7EggtqzVC5QfpocYmsBIGRHUX0M8MIPUTzw-sJiiW8LcWPH2YwSOTzWjefvAMVe4q24FO46rlz-Kaxz6BA1BTvDZqaFytW50fpFsV/s320/20090711_0017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357248779305209442" /></a><br />If you know me you know I love C.S. Lewis. Well last week Shasta and I headed to the outlets in Hagerstown and of course we went by Book Warehouse. As I was browsing I found a complete unabridged Chronicles of Narnia box set. The set includes all 7 books in one volume as well as unabridged CD recordings of all the books. The CD versions are read by folks like Kenneth Branagh, Michael York, Lynn Redgrave, Patrick Stewart, etc. The retail price on the box set is $99.99, but I got it at Book Warehouse for $29.99. Shasta and I both love to read and it's something we definitely hope to pass on to CinnaBun. Growing up we didn't have TV in our house until I was in 4th grade so my entertainment was pretty much anything legible that I could lose myself in. I still love to read but now I have to make time for it and most of my reading is done before I go to bed. This usually means I get 2-3 pages read, start to doze off and after several futile attempts to recover, Muffin says "babe take your glasses off you're falling asleep." We also picked up several books that I'm excited to share with my child. A Hans Christian Andersen treasury, a family faith treasury, and of course The Curse of the Bambino (the child will know Yankee history :D). Suffice to say, I think this will be one of the parts of being a dad I'm gonna like.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-60754980457433309842009-07-04T14:54:00.001-04:002009-07-04T14:57:19.596-04:00A little patriotic flavorPatrol Magazine has an <a href="http://www.patrolmag.com/times/1715/o-say-can-you-see">article</a> with some really good renditions of the our National Anthem. My particular faves are the Cactus Cuties, N'Sync and Whitney Houston versions. Let me know what ya think.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-60819408541124180492009-07-03T16:30:00.004-04:002009-07-03T16:42:36.717-04:00Still HereWell it's been a little while hasn't it? The past few months have been interesting and fast paced. For those of you that may not now, Muffin is expecting our first child. She told me on Easter Sunday and we are both extremely excited. I would be lying if I said I didn't find the whole prospect of being a father a bit intimidating. I am also feeling extremely blessed and humbled by the whole circumstance. Everyone asks me whether I want a boy or girl. In all honesty I don't have a preference. When I talk about the baby I say he alot. But when I picture the baby in my mind, I almost always see a little girl. So I have to say that I will be happy with whatever good blesses us with. javascript:void(0)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaLXBwPFUBeQbV4kqxfRiI4spZ3olewgfY9JA6B4HRKCG0HFaTscRs72JuleRoszeSiHpUy4pqXT_8CUaVMw9a0nMpr8_9X0hB4TsPcIfpFwrXegcFwLzrR2ZHDHPbUc9ICF3/s1600-h/dbh.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaLXBwPFUBeQbV4kqxfRiI4spZ3olewgfY9JA6B4HRKCG0HFaTscRs72JuleRoszeSiHpUy4pqXT_8CUaVMw9a0nMpr8_9X0hB4TsPcIfpFwrXegcFwLzrR2ZHDHPbUc9ICF3/s320/dbh.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354336753327022530" /></a>We were shopping last night and went by a book outlet, they had a childrens book called Dad's Bald Head. Which of course we had to buy, it's actually a really cute book and one that will be reading to CinnaBun soon :DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-11509512385425447192009-04-20T19:25:00.003-04:002009-04-20T20:36:56.829-04:00Worth The WaitI know it's been a while since I blogged so I hope this post will in fact be "worth the wait" for you guys. The contrast in my last 2 Easters has been an incredible one. Easter 2008 was spent with my mom, just 6 days before she passed. I was informed that Easter 08 was earlier than it had been in like 90 years and was able to find another blessing in what at the time was a lot of pain and hurt. This Easter was a special one as well. Shasta and I were doing some rearranging and she laid 2 baby outfits beside each other, one boy and one girl, and asked me "Which do you think we'll need first?" I asked something to the effect of "What are you trying to say?" and she said "well we're gonna have to pick soon." So came the announcement that Shasta is expecting and we'll have a little one before 2009 is over. There were many joyous phone calls and more than a few happy tears from friends and relatives. My friend Julie wanted to scream but couldn't because she had a nasty cold and her voice was shot. So here I sit again, blessed way more than I deserve, about to start a family with the most incredible person I know and the words that come to mind are "Thank you LORD, I could not ask for more."Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-69065436457054265242009-04-11T21:32:00.002-04:002009-04-11T21:57:02.456-04:00So much for customer loyaltyI have been a customer of my current ISP pretty much since they came to town. I was the first person on my street to convert my dial up account to DSL, I took advantage of their unlimited long distance, dove in with both feet when they offered bundled DSL, phone and satellite service. You could say I'm happy with the service and offerings they provide. I even stuck with them when their stupid computers didn't bill us for long distance for over a year and all of a sudden it all appeared on one bill. However the treatment I've rec'd in the past few weeks have left questioning whether they are worthy of my loyalty. It's not that the service has suffered or degraded at all. It's the way they seem to not care about those customers that have stuck with them and remained loyal. Back at the end of February I called to see if there was any way I could save on my bill. I had heard rumors that they were offering free laptops for customers who locked in for a certain amount of time and figured I'd see if it was true. The very nice rep I talked with said it was and she'd get me all set up. Well after several minutes she said that she could give me the laptop and save me $35/month on my bill if I took advantage of another promotion they were offering. I said heck yeah. Well after a minute or so, she said she couldn't do the laptop because I wasn't eligible, but I could still do the promo that saved me $35/month. I asked why I wasn't eligible and she just said her supervisor said I wasn't. I told her to go ahead and sign me up and then asked if I could talk to her supervisor to clarify why I wasn't eligible. She put me on my hold and after about 5 minutes I hung up and didn't think anymore of it until the other day when Nathan knocked on my door. Nathan was all excited because he could offer my some savings on my bill and, wait for it, a free laptop! I chuckled and explained that I had tried for the free laptop but I wasn't eligible. Well Nathan was not one to give up easily, he called his supervisor and after about 5 mins, they to determined that I wasn't eligible, and advised me to speak to someone at my local office. Well I went to my local office and explained my situation to them and they were extremely sympathetic and even worked my bill so I got an extra $20/month but I still don't have the laptop. I asked them if they realized that this left me with no incentive to continue as a Frontier customer once my current contract expired. They actually nodded and said they wouldn't blame me for exploring other options! By the way, Frontier is still offering the free laptop, <a href="http://www.frontierpromos.com">rightchere!</a> I am apparently not eligible because I take advantage of their new service offerings as soon as they come out instead of waiting until they start tying them to promotions like the one I am not eligible for. It seems Frontier would rather score a new customer for the short term than worry about keeping the those of us who have stuck with them happy. Fine by me, we'll see what Comcast offers when contract renewal time rolls around.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-64727785069430217962009-03-29T15:44:00.002-04:002009-03-29T16:16:16.163-04:00A Year LaterSo I was in church this morning getting ready for my Sunday School class when Muffin comes in and says "Pam's(our pastors wife)looking for you." Since I had just seen Pam I didn't really think anything of it and just said "OK". About 5 minutes later Pam sticks her head in the room and says "Hey D, I just wanted to make sure I gave you a hug and make sure you are doing ok today." It actually took me a second to realize that she was talking about the fact that today is the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing away. My friends Sam and Joy also mentioned that it was the one year anniversary and I've told several folks that while I certainly miss her I think I grieved a lot for her while she was sick and in the home and since I know Momma is so much better now than she was I can't be sad for her, and I absolutely do not wish her back here. <br /><br />My wife has an awesome <a href="http://eccentricramblingz.blogspot.com">list of some of things about Momma that we all miss on her blo</a>g and I really do encourage you to read it. I promise you'll smile and you my even tear up a bit at reading it but it's worth the read. <br /><br />For those of you that didn't know her or never meet her, I'm going to tell you 2 stories that I think capture her personality. <br /><br />When Shasta and I first started dating she lived about an hour away from us and didn't have her own car. So I would pick her up on Sundays and we'd go to church, have lunch, spend time with family or friends and then I would take her home. Well on the third Sunday that we did this, Shasta and I were in the kitchen cleaning up lunch dishes and Mom starts giggling in her recliner. Shasta and I both asked what was so funny and Mom, in this giggly, giddy little school girl voice says "I see red headed grand daughters." At the time it freaked both Shasta and I out a bit, but Mom probably knew before I did that Shasta was the one for me. I am so incredibly thankful that my wife and mother had Naomi-Ruth relationship. <br /><br />One of things that I am thankful is that Mom actively started attending church with me at the Chapel in the last 3-4 years of her life. If you've never been to the Chapel it is a, well, unique church. Shasta has said it's like having church in your living room. It is very relaxed and things like back and forth banter with the pastor are not uncommon and happen quite frequently. One Sunday morning during prayer request time Mom requested prayer for my Aunt Libby who had a quadruple by pass earlier in the week. I shared the story of how we had visited with her and Libby had said she was in so much pain, she didn't know why God didn't take her home. I told the Chapel what I had told Libby in the hospital which was that God wasn't ready for anymore of those smart mouth Knott (mom's maiden name) sisters just yet. Without missing a beat Mom blurts out, to the whole church, "I'm sorry I ever adopted that boy." The whole church was in stitches for several minutes.<br /><br />Mom I miss you and I love you, say hello to Poppa, Jesus, Dad and Guilo when you get a minute and I'll see you soon :DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-29747206926237755142009-03-15T13:00:00.002-04:002009-03-15T13:23:47.307-04:00My home-in-lawWe made it to Oklahoma and the drive took us just about 24 hours. It wasn't really a bad drive, any further night have been an issue but with Shasta and I switching off driving, good music, XM and several 5 hour energy shots we made good time and hit almost no traffic. Many thanks to all of you who prayed before, during and after our travel. <br /><br />We got to see my nephew Johnathon play 2 basketball games and for being a third grader he seems to be developing quite a nice jump shot. We also took John and his brother Justin out for the birthdays. After some shopping Braums was next for good burgers. If you're not from Oklahoma Braums is a family owned chain of restaurants/stores that has some of the best burgers, hot dogs and ice cream you'll find. All their beef and dairy products still come from the family farms and in order to maintain freshness they don't open any franchises outside of a 300 mile radius from the main farm in Tuttle, OK. If you're ever out this way and see a Braums sign, I would highly recommend stopping.<br /><br />Yesterday afternoon we visited with Shasta's Grandma Baker and her Great-Grandma Leecy. Leecy will be 98 in July and while her body is starting to show signs of age her mind is still sharp and she loves to visit and talk. We walked into the house and both of them were sleeping in their chairs but once awoken they were anxious to hug on our necks and talk about just about everything you can imagine. At one point Shasta pointed out that there was 5 generations sitting in the room, which was very cool to think about. Here I was sitting with Great-Grandma Leecy, Grandma Baker, Grandma Bakers Daughter Flo, Flo's daughters Shasta and Angela, and Angela's sons Johnathon and Justin. They really are a great family and from the beginning have made me feel like I fit right in. As you can see we've had a pretty packed trip so far and it's just getting started.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-69430835957567259082009-03-08T17:39:00.002-04:002009-03-08T17:44:45.205-04:00Song Lyric Sunday Week 5 - Sponsored by Black Dog CoffeeOk, so Dana got last weeks, which makes him the contest winner and this weeks lyric is just for fun. Congrats Dana!<br /><br /><blockquote>Girl<br />I can't understand it why you want to hurt me<br />After all the things I've done for you.<br />I buy you champagne and roses and diamonds on your finger -<br />Diamonds on your finger -<br />Still you hang out all night<br />what am I to do?</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">RULES:</span><br />1. Song choices will be made by me<br />2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)<br />3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday<br />4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't mean I'll accept it.<br />5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya.<br />6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer.<br />7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision.<br />8. The winner will receive a prize package from Black Dog Coffee that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle.<br />9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-23360282195572198982009-03-01T21:11:00.002-05:002009-03-01T21:15:05.615-05:00Song Lyric Sunday Week 4 - Sponsored by Black Dog CoffeePete got last weeks. So Dana has 2 and Pete has 1 with 2 weeks left<br /><br /><blockquote>Poor old Johnny Ray<br />Sounded sad upon the radio, he moved a million hearts in mono. </blockquote><br /><b>RULES:</b><br />1. Song choices will be made by me<br />2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)<br />3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday<br />4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't mean I'll accept it.<br />5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya.<br />6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer.<br />7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision.<br />8. The winner will receive a prize package from Black Dog Coffee that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle.<br />9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-1170646403841712612009-02-22T16:04:00.002-05:002009-02-22T18:19:59.171-05:00Song Lyric Sunday Week 3 - Sponsored by Black Dog CoffeeSorry I missed last week, but I was down with a stomach bug and by the time I even thought about the blog it was too late to post a lyric. Dana got the lyric for week 2 so he's leading 2-0 and if he get's this weeks then he'll win. Here y'all go. <br /><blockquote>Do you have to die again <br />for me to understand<br />What you mean to me<br />And what I mean to you</blockquote><br /><br /><b>RULES:</b><br />1. Song choices will be made by me<br />2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)<br />3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday<br />4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't mean I'll accept it.<br />5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya.<br />6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer.<br />7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision.<br />8. The winner will receive a prize package from Black Dog Coffee that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle.<br />9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-53661414332634526732009-02-08T16:06:00.004-05:002009-02-08T16:16:33.010-05:00Song Lyric Sunday Contest Week 2 - Sponsored by Black Dog CoffeeSo Dana got last weeks, which means he's in the lead right now. Please make sure you read over the rules before posting an answer. <br /><blockquote>The drinks were two for one<br />Inside the crowded bars<br />The girls would make their run<br />Out on the boulevard </blockquote><br />1. Song choices will be made by me<br />2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)<br />3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday<br />4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. <span style="font-style:italic;">Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't mean I'll accept it. </span><br />5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya. <br />6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer. <br />7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision. <br />8. The winner will receive a prize package from <a href="http://www.blackdogcoffee.net">Black Dog Coffee</a> that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle. <br />9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-52616030198996309502009-02-02T21:46:00.002-05:002009-02-02T22:18:37.510-05:00Zebras UggghhhhOK, first of all I'll warn those of you that are not sports fans that this is gonna be a football rant so you can go back to your crocheting if you like. I watched last nights Super Bowl and had a blast, I thought it was one of the best football games I've ever watched. Was it the greatest Super Bowl ever? Hard to say because I haven't watched every one but I will say that it's probably in the top 3 that I have watched. My complaint centers on the officiating. It's not surprising really that in a year that has been marred by some horribly bad calls the championship certainly had it's share of questionable calls. The sad thing is the officiating did a disservice to both teams. It may have cost the Cardinals a championship and it leaves people (those who aren't Steeler fans anyway) questioning the legitimacy of Pittsburgh's hard fought 6th Super Bowl title. Heading into the 4th the Cardinals had been flagged for 10 penalties to 2 for the Steelers and the final tally ended up with the Cardinals being flagged for 106 yards in penalties to 56 for the Steelers. The irony of this that Steeler Nation was on the war path after their regular season game against San Diego in which they were flagged for 115 yards in penalties to the Chargers 5. The Steelers won that game however. And yes, the NFL did admit to getting at least one call in that Charger game wrong. Back to last night, the 2 most glaring examples of this officiating crews ineptness were yet to come. After Santonio Holmes go ahead score he clearly took the ball, shook it and did what appeared to be an imitation of NBA'er LeBron James' chalk ritual. He clearly used the ball as a prop which according to the NFL's excessive celebration rule should have resulted in a 15 yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff. I personally think the excessive celebration rule is asinine and I hate it but it is the rule and I am 99% certain that if it had been Steve Smith, Chad Johnson, or Terrell Owens doing the same thing it would have certainly drawn a flag. 15 yards of field position makes a huge difference on that final drive. And then on Arizona's last play from scrimmage the replay booth chose not to review the play to determine if Kurt Warner's arm was going forward and he had control of the ball or if fumble ruling on the field was correct. Yes, the NFL has said today that the ruling on the field was correct but c'mon this is the biggest game of the year and your replay crew can't take the time to make sure the call is right? The replay officials making that call while the game is still in progress holds a lot more weight than saying it the day after. If you're a Steeler fan (Dana!) congrats and I don't mean to take anything away from their win, but the NFL has got to do something about their officiating. Missing one call a game is one thing, but when your championship game has this many questions it's obvious that something needs to be fixed.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-87705425579746927752009-02-01T16:16:00.001-05:002009-02-01T16:18:02.043-05:00Song Lyric Sunday Contest Week 1 - Sponsored by Black Dog CoffeeSo the last contest got such a good response we're gonna do another one. The rules have changed slightly so make sure you re-read them before you start posting your answers. <br /><br />1. Song choices will be made by me<br />2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)<br />3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday<br />4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. <span style="font-style:italic;">Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't me I'll accept it. </span><br />5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya. <br />6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer. <br />7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision. <br />8. The winner will receive a prize package from <a href="http://www.blackdogcoffee.net">Black Dog Coffee</a> that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle. <br />9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad. <br /><br />Now that the technicalities are done with here's the first lyric:<br /><br /><blockquote>I need a sign to let me know you're here<br />'Cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear<br />I want a reason for the way things have to be<br />I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me </blockquote>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-33130269659670171942009-01-27T18:12:00.010-05:002009-01-27T18:52:39.909-05:00A cord of 3 strands...Today is my parents 40th wedding anniversary. It almost slipped by me but I happened to be looking at the date on a piece of mail and it caused me stop for a second. Dad passed in 1986 and Mom passed last March so for the first time in 23 years they are actually celebrating their anniversary together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzrOzTqMg0Egdl9oZJtDdgMiR1FKk6imWWmU54KTOs2M12GFlqRijAyHzwGb3PzvNKmYSPyX1L9uONfpjkQh4v39R8kjm4wXEl9F2O_0OXPnSpBmsddI8LkDukVChOu7Kbnr0/s1600-h/Family+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzrOzTqMg0Egdl9oZJtDdgMiR1FKk6imWWmU54KTOs2M12GFlqRijAyHzwGb3PzvNKmYSPyX1L9uONfpjkQh4v39R8kjm4wXEl9F2O_0OXPnSpBmsddI8LkDukVChOu7Kbnr0/s320/Family+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296121443275516866" /></a>This is actually, I think, the oldest picture I have of them. It's from November 1969 and the baby that mom is holding is me. I'm sleeping, which according to Mom I did a lot of. She used to say that she had to wake me up to feed me. Well that wasn't a problem for long I assure you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN89ty1MbeJdJD8w3_N58WC1JTNt97UX8psj-9tqFw0HXLCm6kg9qbos0yYUOLc6PrAiQ-uEDRaSDhuVzqC5aowOIxhRpIW-1K4d72fnpFC2fZvnqQI4JJNseA9xXh-WhPXiVt/s1600-h/Family+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN89ty1MbeJdJD8w3_N58WC1JTNt97UX8psj-9tqFw0HXLCm6kg9qbos0yYUOLc6PrAiQ-uEDRaSDhuVzqC5aowOIxhRpIW-1K4d72fnpFC2fZvnqQI4JJNseA9xXh-WhPXiVt/s320/Family+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296122350028772434" /></a><br />This is a family portrait from the mid to late 70's. Note Mom's beehive, length of her hair and lack of make up. All of those were requirements of the church we were attending at the time. You'll also note how much I (that's me on the right standing beside her) look like my mother and how much my Dad and my brother Dana favor each other. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCb5ROyCdklpWge_36i-1448meMqkfHXGv1cwkXaCnked0WvFJ4CoL0cSOuHyt42wD5qEuS78JbMKFsfZ7vwuDXPxsqWq334R7KfJ6zb8JQt5fJwpSGi2RqO_nTysFTUTPsPot/s1600-h/Family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCb5ROyCdklpWge_36i-1448meMqkfHXGv1cwkXaCnked0WvFJ4CoL0cSOuHyt42wD5qEuS78JbMKFsfZ7vwuDXPxsqWq334R7KfJ6zb8JQt5fJwpSGi2RqO_nTysFTUTPsPot/s320/Family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296122694397272978" /></a>The last one is from Christmas 1980 and it's not the best photo but I just love the memory it brings and look on Mom and Dad's faces. We never had a lot of money for Christmas but it was special day to them both and they really went out of their way to make it as special as possible for Dana and I.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-37282818414425081052009-01-25T21:16:00.001-05:002009-01-25T21:18:11.893-05:00Song Lyric SundayThe contest starts next week. I post full rules and the first lyric sometime after 4 pm (ET) next Sunday. Here's this weeks lyric.<br /><br /><blockquote>Maybe sometimes, we've got it wrong, but it's alright<br />The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same<br />Oh, don't you hesitate.</blockquote>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21963884.post-43996696250253604952009-01-18T17:07:00.004-05:002009-01-18T23:13:47.591-05:00Grace Is For Sinners and a Song LyricIn my last post I mentioned that I was reading the book <a href="http://www.graceisforsinner.com">Grace Is For Sinners</a>. I finished the book today and just wanted to say that first of all I highly recommend the book. The author, Serena Woods, gives a first hand account of an abusive childhood, foster care, finding faith, falling into an affair and heer finding grace in spite of the "biblical discipline" dished out to her by her church family. The book really is an incredible read and is one of those books that I think could well become a staple for myself and others like me who need a faith and a God who doesn't fit into a box. Woods does an excellent job of telling the story of how church discipline almost destroyed her faith instead of helping to bring her to a point of restoration. She provides specific examples of how this biblical discipline was actually anything but biblical and does so without coming across as mean spirited or vindictive. She also doesn't down play her own shortcomings and the sin of the affair that ultimately led to this book being written. Woods also does a fine job of pointing out that for the believer God should be sovereign and we need to believe that he all things in control at all times. I really don't think I can recommend this book highly enough, especially for those who feel abandoned or outcast by the church. javascript:void(0)<br /><br />In keeping with the spirit of the book, here's my song lyric for this week:<br /><br /><blockquote>I keep on chasing the wrong things<br />and coming up empty<br />This isn't who I'm supposed to be<br />I keep on learning the hard way from every mistake<br />And I'm finding each time that you fall,</blockquote>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187135164918750323noreply@blogger.com0